What happens to a pet immediately after it is euthanized?
Original Question: If I choose cremation, what happens to my pet immediately after it is euthanized? - Anonymous
Aug 2, 2020
As a pet may release bodily fluids after passing, they are usually placed into a plastic cadaver bag for transportation to the crematorium. If this seems impersonal, you can ask your vet or pet crematorium about the option of a tastefully designed dedicated pet body bag, such as EUTHABAG, for your beloved companion. When euthanasia is performed at home, a pet crematorium can also pick up your pet, usually within 24 hours or you can make prior arrangements with the crematorium to have them picked up at a designated time although there may be an additional cost for this service. You can also ask your vet to take your pet back to their clinic where they will then be picked up by the crematorium. If you decide to use a mobile vet to euthanize your pet, they will often be taken to the crematorium directly or you can ask to do it yourself. If the euthanasia was performed at a clinic, pets are generally placed in a freezer and may remain there for a few days to a week, until the crematorium can arrange pickup.
Dr. Jocelyn Anne Mason, DVM
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